West Leads the Way as Bears Show Fight in Big Sky Opener

Thursday, January 2

Ogden, Utah

6 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

7-5,0-1Big Sky

Weber State

4-7,1-0Big Sky

Northern Colo.

Weber St.

1/2/2025 8:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Final Game Book (PDF)

By: Brooke Richards, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

OGDEN, Utah – Northern Colorado (7-5, 0-1 BSC ) dropped its conference opener Thursday night, falling to Weber State (4-7, 1-0 BSC) 65-52 at Dee Events Center. Despite a strong third quarter, the Bears couldn't overcome early struggles and a late surge by the Wildcats.

TOP PERFORMERS
Sophomore forward Tatum West led Northern Colorado with 17 points, shooting 7-for-12 from the field, and added eight rebounds, three assists, and a career high six steals in a well-rounded effort. Junior guard Gabi Fields contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and four steals, providing a solid defensive presence. Senior Silvia Nativi rounded out the Bears' top contributors with seven points, including 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, while also swiping three steals.

GAME SUMMARY
Northern Colorado faced challenges in the opening quarter, shooting just 23.5% and committing seven turnovers. The Bears trailed 19-8 heading into the second quarter.

In the second, UNC's defense tightened, holding Weber State to 23.1% shooting, but the Bears struggled offensively, managing just 10 points. At halftime, Weber State led 27-18.

The third quarter was the Bears' strongest, as they shot 54.5% from the field and matched the Wildcats offense 20-20. West and Nativi fueled a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to five points midway through the period. However, Weber State responded with timely three-pointers from Lanae Billy to maintain their advantage.

In the final quarter, Northern Colorado continued to fight but could not contain Weber State's offense, as the Wildcats outscored the Bears 18-14 to secure the victory.

KEY STATS

Shooting: Northern Colorado shot 29.1% from the field and 5.6% from three-point range, while Weber State hit 46.8% overall and 45.5% from beyond the arc.
Turnovers: The Bears committed 22 turnovers, leading to 25 points for the Wildcats.
Rebounding: The Bears out rebounded the Wildcats 36-30, but only scored 12 second chance points compared to WSU's 13.

WEBER STATE LEADERS
Lanae Billy was a standout for the Wildcats, scoring 17 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting, including 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Rose Bubakar added 16 points and five rebounds while converting six of her seven free-throw attempts. Taylor Smith contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, anchoring Weber State's effort on both ends of the floor.

UP NEXT
The Bears will continue Big Sky action on Saturday, taking on Idaho State in Pocatello. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Reed Gym.

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